The Priory in Caerleon appoints Grady Atkins as head chef

The Priory in Caerleon has appointed Grady Atkins as head chef of the hotel’s restaurant.  

Atkins joined the hotel and restaurant in South Wales on 1 September, bringing over 30 years of international experience across Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels. 

His roles have spanned the likes of Boston’s Ritz-Carlton, Le Meurice in Paris, and stages in Sicily before moving to California, where he spent 17 years at the Peninsula Hotel.  

When he returned to the UK he earned three AA Rosettes as head chef of Le Gallois in Cardiff. He later set up the kitchen in the city centre’s Bacareto and was most recently head chef at Insole Court in Llandaff.  

Atkins is currently focussing on creating a new menu for the Priory which is due to launch on 1 December.  

Originally founded as a Cistercian monastery in 1180, the Priory is now a family run hotel and restaurant operated by Benito and Sophie Martinez as part of the Fire & Wine group, which also runs Park Side, Ballers and Bodega in Cardiff. 

The venue completed an extensive refurbishment earlier this year, combining its heritage setting with a renewed focus on fire cooking, fine wine and provenance. 

Plans are also underway for a new on-site kitchen garden, featuring a poly-tunnel and greenhouse for growing seasonal produce, herbs and edible flowers. 

“We’re delighted to welcome Grady to the Priory,” said Martinez. “From the outset, it was clear we share a passion for authentic hospitality, and our visions are strongly aligned. Grady brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience, and our conversations about the future of the Priory quickly made it clear that this would be a fantastic partnership. 

“Grady brings fresh energy and his own creative flair to our Mediterranean-inspired dishes and we’re genuinely excited about what we’ll create together. We have big plans in the making, including the new on-site kitchen garden which we know our guests will love -watch this space!” 

Atkins added: “I’m very happy to have joined a business with owners who have a clear vision and progressive ideas for the future. It’s a beautiful location, with equally stunning interiors, and I’m excited to contribute to its growth and be part of a team who are passionate about delivering something truly special.”